Terrence Duvernay

Terrence R. Duvernay, (1943 – April 22, 2001) a native of New Orleans, He was initiated into the fraternity on December 15, 1961 while attending Dillard University (Theta Sigma Chapter). He received a bachelor’s degree in 1964 from Dillard University in New Orleans and a master’s degree in sociology from Tulane University in 1968. He also was an active member of Rho Phi chapter.  He worked in public administration in the 1960s and 1970s in New Orleans for then-Mayor Landrieu, eventually becoming chief administrative officer of the city. Mr. Duvernay, a veteran housing official, believed in providing affordable housing opportunities to all Americans, and he devoted his life to help others achieve that dream.

Terrence Duvernay began his HUD career in his native New Orleans and in Seattle. He then moved to HUD headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he served as Chief of Staff to Secretary Landrieu. As the number-two official at HUD, Mr. Duvernay was involved in one of the Clinton administration’s major urban-renewal initiatives — “empowerment zones.” He also helped reorganize the troubled department.

A long time housing advocate, Mr. Duvernay was also the former Executive Director of both the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority and of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. He also was a former President of the National Council of State Housing Agencies and the National Community Development Association and held positions on numerous boards, including Fannie Mae’s National Advisory Council and he was Vice President and Co-manager of Legg Mason Wood Walker’s Housing and Finance Group.